Shortlist for £1bn Express LIFT framework due this week

Twenty eight firms are chasing the £1bn Express LIFT framework deal, with a shortlist of between 10 and 20 bidders due to emerge this week.

Tim Challis, LIFT Development director at Community Health Partnerships, told CJ there is "very high interest" in the new initiative, which aims to extend access to the NHS LIFT programme to at least another 70 Primary Care Trusts.

Challis said half the bidders were NHS LIFTcos. Other bidders include major PFI contractors and a number of third-party developers.

A final framework of six to 10 members will be chosen by the end of the year. The successful bidders will then compete for 20-year LIFTco partnering deals with Primary Care Trusts.